The race for control of Oyo State in 2027 has gained momentum following the release of the final list of 16 governorship candidates by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The list, published on Saturday, October 10, 2026, confirms the participation of candidates from 16 political parties, setting the stage for a competitive battle for the Agodi Government House.
Among the prominent contenders are Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abimbola Adekanmbi of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), and Abdulrahman Oriyomi Hamzat of the Accord Party.
Other notable parties in the contest include the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The ADC will be represented by Taofeek Adegboyega Adegoke, while Akim Adebola Yusuf will contest under the NDC. The PDP has presented Hazeem Ola Gbolarumi as its candidate for the governorship election.
The remaining candidates on the list include Saheed Oladele of the African Action Congress (AAC), Kunle James Olatunji of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Gbolagade Tajudeen Salami of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and Ismaila Akinboye Tijani of the Action Peoples Party (APP).
Sola Thompson Kareem will represent the Labour Party (LP), while Ibiyemi Otegbeye Taiwo is the candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDP). Taofeek Ademola Afolabi will contest for the National Rescue Movement (NRM).
Other contenders are Kazeem Ayandoye Yinusa of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Idowu Adedeji Adeyemi of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Waheed Olanrewaju Azzan of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
With the final list now public, attention is expected to shift towards party campaigns, voter mobilisation and the policy proposals candidates will present to the electorate ahead of the 2027 poll.
The election will determine who succeeds the incumbent administration and leads Oyo State for the next term, with the 16 candidates seeking to convince voters that they have the leadership experience and plans needed to govern the state.
